Method of using a catheter assembly

ABSTRACT

A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/953,576 filed Nov. 30, 2015, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/678,769 filed Nov. 16, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.9,227,043 issued Jan. 5, 2016, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/561,377 filed Nov. 18, 2011. Theseapplications are incorporated herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The field of the invention relates generally to shunt systems and, moreparticularly, to a catheter assembly for use with shunt systems and themethod of using the catheter assembly.

Approximately 75,000 people per year suffer from an accumulation ofcerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles in the brain. Such acondition is also known as hydrocephalus. Moreover, approximately 1 in500 children are born with hydrocephalus. While there is no known curefor hydrocephalus, the condition is commonly treated with a shuntsystem, such as a ventriculoperitoneal shunt system, which facilitatesthe flow of CSF from the ventricles of the brain to the peritonealcavity.

Such known shunt systems may include a catheter, e.g., a ventricularcatheter, which is inserted into the brain, a valve to control the flowof CSF, and a peritoneal catheter that is inserted into the peritonealcavity. In some cases, a catheter tip or reservoir, such as a Rickhamreservoir, is attached to the ventricular catheter to stabilize thecatheter and to serve as an access point for the CSF.

However, known shunt systems may wear and/or may become inoperable overtime. For example, because the ventricular catheter is essentiallyimmobile (i.e., fixed) within the ventricle, occlusion of the cathetermay occur. The occlusion may be caused when tissues located within thebrain, such as ependymal and choroid plexus tissues, adhere to theventricular catheter. Such adherence may also occur within the cathetertubing. If occlusion occurs, the shunt system may be unable toadequately remove CSF from the brain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filledspace in a body generally comprises a main body having a first endportion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positionablewithin the fluid filled space and the second end portion is adapted toextend outward from the fluid filled space when the first end portion ispositioned within the fluid filled space. The catheter assembly alsoincludes a catheter tip that is connected to the second end portion. Thecatheter tip includes a housing that has a cavity defined therein. Thecatheter tip also includes a rotating element positioned within thecavity, wherein the rotating element is configured to rotate within thecavity to facilitate movement of the first end portion of the main bodywithin the fluid filled space.

In another aspect, a shunt system for insertion into a body generallycomprises a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space inthe body and a control valve that is coupled in fluid communication withthe catheter assembly. The control valve is configured to control theflow of fluid from the fluid filled space. The catheter assemblyincludes a main body that has a first end portion and a second endportion. The first end portion is positionable within the fluid filledspace of the patient and the second end portion is adapted to extendoutward from the fluid filled space when the first end portion ispositioned within the fluid filled space. The catheter assembly alsoincludes a catheter tip that is connected to the second end portion. Thecatheter tip includes a housing that has a cavity defined therein. Thecatheter tip also includes a rotating element positioned within thecavity, wherein the rotating element is configured to rotate within thecavity to facilitate movement of the first end portion of the main bodywithin the fluid filled space.

In yet another aspect, a method of using a catheter assembly forinserting in a fluid filled space in a body generally comprisesproviding a main body having a first end portion and a second endportion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filledspace. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from thefluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within thefluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second endportion. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity definedtherein and a rotating element positioned within the cavity. Therotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impartmovement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluidfilled space.

In still yet another aspect, a method of using a catheter assembly forinserting in a fluid filled space of a patient generally comprisesproviding a main body having a first end portion and a second endportion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filledspace of the patient. The second end portion is adjusted to extendoutwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion ispositioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected tothe main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavitydefined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluidfilled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of thehousing to impart at least one of rotational and linear movement of thefirst end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space. Themovement of the first end portion of the main body is relative to thehousing, which has no movement imparted to it.

In a further aspect, a method of using a catheter assembly for insertingin a fluid filled space of a patient generally comprises providing amain body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The firstend portion is positioned within the fluid filled space of the patient.The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluidfilled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluidfilled space. A catheter tip is connected to the main body. The cathetertip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotatingelement positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating elementis rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart at least one ofrotational and linear movement of the first end portion of the main bodywithin the fluid filled space. The movement of the first end portion ofthe main body is relative to the housing, which has no movement impartedto it. The rotating of the rotating element is adapted to move bymovement of the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary shunt system implanted in apatient;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of a catheter assembly ofthe shunt system shown in FIG. 1 and taken from area 2;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a catheter tip of the catheterassembly shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of using the catheterassembly shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary systems, apparatus, and methods described herein overcomeat least some known disadvantages associated with at least some knownshunt systems that include the use of catheters, such as ventricularcatheters. More specifically, the embodiments described herein include acatheter assembly for use in shunt systems, wherein the catheterassembly may be used for inserting in a fluid filled space of a body,while also inhibiting occlusion of the portions of the assembly that arelocated within the fluid filled space. The catheter assembly includes amain body that has a first end portion and a second end portion. Thefirst end portion is positionable within the fluid filled space and thesecond end portion is adapted to extend outward from the fluid filledspace when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filledspace. The catheter assembly also includes a catheter tip that isconnected to the second end portion. The catheter tip includes a housingthat has a cavity defined therein. The catheter tip also includes arotating element positioned within the cavity, wherein the rotatingelement is configured rotate within the cavity to facilitate movement ofthe first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space. Byfacilitating movement of at least a portion of the catheter assemblywithin the body, occlusion may be inhibited. More specifically, movementof the catheter assembly inhibits tissues located within the body fromadhering to portions of the catheter assembly positioned within thefluid filled space. Accordingly, the catheter assembly enables the shuntsystem to adequately remove cerebrospinal fluid CSF from the brain.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary shunt system 100 implanted in apatient 102. It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment, shuntsystem 100 is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt system that facilitates fluidflow, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), from at least one ventricle(not shown) of a brain of patient 102 to a peritoneal cavity 103 ofpatient 102. While the exemplary embodiment includes aventriculoperitoneal shunt system, the embodiments of the systems,apparatus, and methods described herein are not limited to any oneparticular type of shunt system, and one of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the systems, apparatus, and methods describedherein may be used in connection with other systems.

Shunt system 100 includes a proximal section 104 and a distal section106, wherein a catheter assembly 107 is located within proximal section104. In the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion (not shown inFIG. 1) of catheter assembly 107 is positioned within a fluid filledspace within a body, such as a ventricle (not shown) of the brain in abody of patient 102. Fluid filled space may include a ventricle, a cyst,and/or an abscess within the body. In other embodiments, catheterassembly 107 may be positioned in other areas of patient 102 and atleast a portion of catheter assembly 107 may be positioned within aventricle located in other parts of patient 102, such as a heartventricle. In addition, as explained in more detail below, catheterassembly 107 is configured to use motion of the head of patient 102 toimpart movement to at least the portion of catheter assembly 107 withinthe ventricle. For example, the imparted movement may be rotationaland/or linear.

Shunt system 100, in the exemplary embodiment, also includes a valve 108positioned between proximal section 104 and distal section 106. In theexemplary embodiment, valve 108 includes a first end portion 110 and asecond end portion 112, wherein first end portion 110 of valve 108 iscoupled in flow communication with catheter assembly 107. Valve 108, inthe exemplary embodiment, is configured to control the flow of a fluid,such as CSF, from the ventricle and within catheter assembly 107 toperitoneal cavity 103. For example, valve 108 may be a fixed pressurevalve or, alternatively, valve 108 may be modulated in an open,partially open, closed, and/or partially closed position such that theflow of the fluid may vary within catheter assembly 107. Alternatively,valve 108 may be modulated in any other manner that enables shunt system100 to function as described herein. In addition, valve 108 may beoperated manually by a user and/or or valve 108 may be operated via acontrol system (not shown), such as a computing device, that may becommunicatively coupled to valve 108.

In the exemplary embodiment, shunt system 100 also includes a distalcatheter 114 that is positioned in distal section 106 and is coupled tosecond end portion 112 of valve 108. More specifically, in the exemplaryembodiment, distal catheter 114 is positioned within the peritonealcavity 103 of patient 102. In the exemplary embodiment, distal catheter114 is configured to channel fluid, such as CSF, from catheter assembly107 to peritoneal cavity 103. Alternatively, distal catheter 114 may bepositioned in any other portion of patient 102, such as in the rightatrium (not shown) of the heart (not shown), that enables shunt system100 to function as described herein. Shunt system 100 may also bepositioned outside patient 102. It should be noted that, as used herein,the term “couple” is not limited to a direct communicative, mechanical,and/or an electrical connection between components, but may also includean indirect communicative, mechanical, and/or electrical connectionbetween multiple components.

During operation, shunt system 100 enables the removal of excess fluidfrom the brain. More specifically, by being positioned within theventricle in the brain, catheter assembly 107 is able to channel fluid,such as CSF, from within the ventricle through valve 108 to distalcatheter 114. The fluid is able to exit through distal catheter 114 toperitoneal cavity 103, wherein the fluid may be reabsorbed by thepatient 102. As explained in more detail below, when the head of patient102 moves, the motion enables catheter assembly 107 to impart movementto at least the portion of catheter assembly 107 within the ventricle.By facilitating movement of at least a portion of catheter assembly 107,occlusion may be inhibited. More specifically, movement of catheterassembly 107 inhibits tissues located within the brain from adhering to,or otherwise occluding, portions of catheter assembly 107 that arepositioned within the ventricle. Accordingly, catheter assembly 107enables shunt system 100 to adequately remove cerebrospinal fluid CSFfrom the brain.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of catheter assembly 107 taken along area 2(shown in FIG. 1) and removed from patient 102. FIG. 3 is an explodedperspective view of a catheter tip 200 of catheter assembly 107.Referring to FIG. 2, catheter assembly 107 includes a main body 202having a first end portion 204 and a second end portion 206. In theexemplary embodiment, main body 202 is substantially cylindrical andhollow such that fluid may be channeled therethrough. However, main body202 may be any suitable shape that enables catheter assembly 107 andshunt system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) to function as described herein.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, main body 202 is substantiallyflexible, durable, and composed of any material that may be compatiblewith the fluid, such as CSF, being channeled therethrough, and suitablefor implantation into patient 102. For example, main body 202 may becomposed of polymers, such as, but not limited to silicone, polyurethane(PU), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyamides, such as nylon.

First end portion 204, in the exemplary embodiment, may be positionedwithin a ventricle of patient 102 (shown in FIG. 1) and second endportion 206 is adjusted or adapted to extend outward from the ventriclewhen first end portion 204 is positioned within the ventricle. Cathetertip 200, in the exemplary embodiment, is coupled to second end portion206.

Referring to FIG. 3, catheter tip 200 includes a housing 302 having acavity 304 defined therein. More specifically, housing 302 includes acap member 306 and a base member 308 that is coupled to cap member 306such that cavity 304 is defined between cap member 306 and base member308. In the exemplary embodiment, cap member 306 includes a firstportion 305 and a second portion 307 that extends outwardly from thefirst portion 305. Cap member first portion 305 is substantiallysemi-spherical and cap member second portion 307 is substantiallycylindrical. Cap member 306 includes at least one opening 309 thatextends axially through cap member second portion 307 such that fluidmay be channeled therethrough.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, cap member 306 is substantiallyflexible, durable, and composed of any material that may be compatiblewith the fluid, such as CSF, being channeled therein. For example, capmember 306 may be composed of polymers, such as, but not limited tosilicone, polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyamides, such as nylon. Incontrast, base member 308 is substantially rigid and may be composed of,for example, polyoxymethylene.

A rotating element 310 is positioned within cavity 304 and coupled tobase member 308. More specifically, rotating element 310 is positionedwithin cavity 304 such that rotating element 310 is not in contact withany sides of cap member 306 and outlet path (not shown) may be definedbetween the rotating element 310 and the sides of cap member 306. In theexemplary embodiment, rotating element 310 is configured to facilitatemovement of first end portion 204 (shown in FIG. 2) of main body 202(shown in FIG. 2) within the ventricle. More specifically, rotatingelement 310 is configured to rotate in a single direction, such as aclockwise direction, to impart a rotational motion or a linear motion offirst end portion 204 of main body 202. Alternatively, rotating element310 may be configured to rotate in a first direction and a seconddirection, wherein the second direction is different from the firstdirection. For example, rotating element 310 may be configured to rotatein either a clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction.

In the exemplary embodiment, rotating element 310 includes a firstportion 312 and a second portion 314 that is coupled to first portion312 such that second portion 314 is perpendicular to first portion 312.More specifically, rotating element first portion 312 includes anupstream surface 316 and an opposing downstream surface 318, androtating element second portion 314 is coupled to upstream surface 316while downstream surface 318 faces cap member 306. First portion 312 andsecond portion 314 may be removably coupled with respect to each other,or first portion 312 and second portion 314 may be integrally formedtogether as a single piece. In the exemplary embodiment, both upstreamsurface 316 and downstream surface 318 have a substantiallysemi-circular shape. Alternatively, upstream surface 316 and downstreamsurface 318 may have other suited shapes that enable catheter assembly107 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and/or shunt system 100 (shown in FIG. 1)to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, at least aportion of rotating element 310, such as first portion 312, is composedof a substantially dense chemical element, such as but not limited totantalum, gold, titanium, and/or steel.

Rotating element second portion 314 is coupled to base member 308 via abearing portion 320. In the exemplary embodiment, rotating elementsecond portion 314 is a connecting device that is configured to enablecatheter tip 200 to be coupled to second end portion 206 (shown in FIG.2) of main body 202. Rotating element second portion 314, in theexemplary embodiment, includes a first end 322, a middle portion 323,and a second end 324. First end 322 is coupled to upstream surface 316of rotating element 310. Rotating element second portion 314 issubstantially cylindrical and hollow from first end 322 to middleportion 323. Rotating element second end 324 is configured to be coupledto second end portion 206 of main body 202. For example, second end 324may have a substantially nipple shape to enable second end 324 to besecurely positioned within second end portion 206 of main body 202.Alternatively, rotating element second portion 314 and any portionsthereof may have any other suitable shape that enables catheter tip 200to be coupled to main body 202. Moreover, rotating element secondportion 314 may be composed of the same chemical element as rotatingelement first portion 312. Alternatively, rotating element secondportion 314 may be composed of a different chemical element thanrotating element first portion 312. For example, second portion 314 maybe composed of steel, while the first portion 312 is composed oftantalum. It is preferable that both first portion 312 and secondportion 314 of rotating element 310 be composed of a substantially densechemical element or compound.

In the exemplary embodiment, bearing portion 320 is an annular tubehaving a first end 326 and a second end 328. Moreover, in the exemplaryembodiment, bearing portion 320 is substantially cylindrical andincludes an opening 330 that extends from first end 326 to second end328 such that at least a portion of rotating element second portion 314may be positioned therein. Bearing portion 320, however, may be anysuitable shape that enables catheter assembly 107 to function asdescribed herein. Bearing portion 320, in the exemplary embodiment, iscoupled to second portion 314 of rotating element 310 and to base member308 such that a seal within cavity 304 is formed and fluid does not leakfrom within cavity 304. In the exemplary embodiment, bearing portion 320may be composed of an alloy, such as but not limited to steel.

Catheter assembly 107 may also include a sleeve portion 350 thatsubstantially circumscribes at least a portion of catheter tip 200 andat least a portion of main body 202. More specifically, in the exemplaryembodiment, sleeve portion 350 includes a first portion 352 and a secondportion 354. First portion 352 includes a cavity 356 defined thereinsuch that rotating element 310, bearing portion 320, and base member 308may be positioned within cavity 356. Second portion 354 is substantiallycylindrical and hollow such that second portion 354 may substantiallycircumscribe main body second end portion 206 (shown in FIG. 2). In theexemplary embodiment, sleeve portion 350 may be substantially flexible,durable, and composed of any material that may be compatible with thefluid, such as CSF, being channeled within catheter assembly 107, andsuitable for implantation into patient 102. For example, sleeve portion350 may be composed of polymers, such as, but not limited to silicone,polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyamides, such as nylon.

During operation, excess fluid within the brain, such as CSF, ischanneled from a ventricle through main body 202 of catheter assembly107. More specifically, fluid is channeled from first end portion 204 ofmain body 202 to second end portion 206. Fluid is then channeled tocatheter tip 200. For example, fluid may be channeled through basemember 308 to cap member 306. Fluid may then be channeled throughopening 309 within second portion 307 of cap member 306. Fluid ischanneled through valve 108 (shown in FIG. 1) to distal catheter 114(shown in FIG. 1). When fluid is channeled within distal catheter 114,fluid is able to exit through distal catheter 114 to peritoneal cavity103 (shown in FIG. 1), wherein the fluid is reabsorbed.

When the head of the patient 102 moves, the catheter assembly 107 isenabled to move. More specifically, the kinetic energy from the naturalmovement of the head applies a force, such as a centripetal force, torotating element 310. In the exemplary embodiment, such a force enablesfirst portion 312 of rotating element 310 to move in a single direction,such as in a clockwise direction. It is understood, however, that theforce may enable first portion 312 of rotating element 310 to move ineither a clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction.

As first portion 312 of rotating element 310 rotates within cavity 304,second portion 314 of rotating element 310 is enabled to rotate in thesame direction as first portion 312. Since second portion 314 ofrotating element 310 is coupled to second end portion 206 of main body202, when rotating element 310 rotates, at least a portion of main body202 is able to move. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, asrotating element 310 rotates, first end portion 204 of main body 202 isable to rotate within the ventricle. Alternatively, first end portion204 of main body 202 may be able to move in a linear motion within theventricle. In another embodiment, a magnet (not shown) may be insertedwithin rotating element 310. In such an embodiment, an external magnet(not shown) may be used to enable rotating element 310 to rotate.

By facilitating the movement of first end portion 204, occlusion may beinhibited. More specifically, the movement of first end portion 204prevents tissues located within the brain from adhering to, or otherwiseoccluding, portions of first end portion 204. Moreover, when catheterassembly 107 is moving, sleeve portion 350 substantially reduces thefriction between the brain and portions of catheter assembly 107 thatare not positioned within the ventricle. More specifically, sleeveportion 350 substantially reduces the friction between the brain andportions of catheter tip 200 and main body 202 that are circumscribed bysleeve portion 350 such that catheter assembly 107 is not inhibited fromrotating within the brain.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary method 400 of using acatheter assembly, such as catheter assembly 107 (shown in FIGS. 1 and2). A main body 202 (shown in FIG. 2) having a first end portion 204(shown in FIG. 2) and a second end portion 206 (shown in FIG. 2) isprovided 402. Main body first end portion 204 is positioned 404 within aventricle (not shown), such as a ventricle in a brain, of a patient 102(shown in FIG. 1). When main body first end portion 204 is positioned404 within the ventricle, main body second end portion 206 is adjusted406 to extend outwardly from the ventricle. A catheter tip 200 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3) is connected 408 to main body second end portion 206,wherein catheter tip 200 includes a housing 302 (shown in FIG. 3) havinga cavity 304 (shown in FIG. 3) defined therein and a rotating element310 (shown in FIG. 3) is positioned within cavity 304. Rotating element310 is rotated 410 within cavity 304 to impart a movement of main bodyfirst end portion 204 within the ventricle.

When rotating element 310 is rotated 410 within cavity 304, rotatingelement 310 is rotated 412 in a single direction. Alternatively, whenrotating element 310 is rotated 410 within cavity 304, rotating element310 is rotated 414 in a first direction or a second direction, whereinthe first direction is different from the second direction. Moreover,when rotating element 310 is rotated 410 within cavity 304, rotatingelement 310 imparts 416 a rotational motion and or a linear motion tomain body first end portion 204.

The above-described shunt system includes a catheter assembly that maybe inserted in a fluid filled space in a body, while inhibitingocclusion of the portions of the assembly that are located within thefluid filled space. The catheter assembly includes a main body that hasa first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion ispositionable within the fluid filled space of the patient and the secondend portion is adapted to extend outward from the fluid filled spacewhen the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space.The catheter assembly also includes a catheter tip that is connected tothe second end portion. The catheter tip includes a housing that has acavity defined therein. The catheter tip also includes a rotatingelement positioned within the cavity, wherein the rotating element isconfigured to rotate within the cavity to facilitate movement of thefirst end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space. Byfacilitating movement of at least a portion of the catheter assemblywithin the body, occlusion may be prevented. More specifically, themovement of the catheter assembly prevents tissues located within thebody from adhering to, or otherwise occluding, portions of the catheterassembly that are positioned within the fluid filled space.

Exemplary embodiments of a catheter assembly and method of using sameare described above in detail. The catheter assembly and method of usingsame are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, butrather, components of the catheter assembly and/or steps of the methodmay be utilized independently and separately from other componentsand/or steps described herein. For example, the catheter assembly mayalso be used in combination with other systems and methods, and is notlimited to practice with only a shunt system as described herein.Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized inconnection with many other systems.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature ofa drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with anyfeature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A catheter tip for a catheter assembly, thecatheter assembly having a main body with a first end portionpositionable within a fluid filled space of a body and a second endportion adapted to extend outward from the fluid filled space, thecatheter tip connectable to the second end portion of the main body, thecatheter tip comprising: a housing having a cavity defined therein; anda rotating element positioned within the cavity, the rotating elementconnectable to the first end portion of the main body such that rotationof the rotating element results in at least one of rotational and linearmovement of first end portion of the main body within the fluid filledspace.
 22. A catheter tip in accordance with claim 21, wherein therotating element is configured to rotate in a single direction.
 23. Acatheter tip in accordance with claim 21, wherein the rotating elementis configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction,wherein the second direction is different from the first direction. 24.A catheter tip in accordance with claim 21, wherein the housingcomprises: a cap member; and a base member coupled to the cap membersuch that the cavity is defined therebetween.
 25. A catheter tip inaccordance with claim 24, wherein the catheter tip further comprises abearing portion coupled to the base member and to the rotating element,the bearing portion being configured to seal the cavity.
 26. A cathetertip in accordance with claim 21, wherein the rotating element comprisesa connecting device for connecting the catheter tip to the second endportion of the main body.
 27. A catheter tip in accordance with claim21, wherein the rotating element is made of at least one of tungsten,gold, titanium, tantalum, and steel.
 28. A catheter tip in accordancewith claim 21, further comprising a sleeve portion to substantiallycircumscribe at least a portion of the catheter tip and at least aportion of the main body.
 29. A catheter tip in accordance with claim21, wherein the rotating element has an upstream surface and adownstream surface, both of the upstream and downstream surfaces beingsemi-circular in shape.
 30. A catheter tip for a catheter assembly, thecatheter assembly including a main body having an end portionpositionable within a fluid filled space in a portion of a body, thecatheter tip comprising: a housing having a cavity defined therein; anda rotating element positioned within the cavity, the rotating elementconnectable to the end portion of the main body such that rotation ofthe rotating element results in at least one of rotational and linearmovement, relative to the housing which has no movement imparted to it,of the end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space,wherein rotation of the rotating element within the cavity and relativeto the housing imparts rotational motion in the end portion of the mainbody within the fluid filled space.
 31. A catheter tip in accordancewith claim 30, wherein the rotating element is configured to rotate in asingle direction.
 32. A catheter tip in accordance with claim 30,wherein the rotating element rotates with a movement of the portion ofthe body.
 33. A catheter tip in accordance with claim 30, wherein therotating element is semi-circular in shape.
 34. A catheter tip inaccordance with claim 30, wherein the catheter tip is connectable to asecond end portion of the main body via a connecting device.
 35. Acatheter tip for a catheter assembly, the catheter tip comprising: ahousing including a cap member coupled to a base member such that acavity is defined therebetween; a rotating element positioned with thecavity, the rotating element comprising a first portion and a secondportion, the second portion coupled to the first portion; and a bearingportion having an opening extending from a bearing first end to abearing second end, wherein the second portion of the rotating elementextends through the opening in the bearing portion, and wherein thebearing portion is coupled to the rotating element and the base membersuch that a seal is formed within the cavity.
 36. A catheter tip inaccordance with claim 35, wherein the cap member has a substantiallysemi-spherical portion, and wherein the cap member includes at least oneopening that extends axially through the cap member, the at least oneopening configured to receive fluid therethrough.
 37. A catheter tip inaccordance with claim 35, wherein the bearing portion is substantiallycylindrical.
 38. A catheter tip in accordance with claim 35, wherein thesecond portion of the rotating element includes a rotating element firstend, a middle portion, and a rotating element second end, the rotatingelement first end coupled to a surface of the first portion of therotating element, and the middle portion extending through the openingin the bearing portion.
 39. A catheter tip in accordance with claim 38,wherein the rotating element second end is configured to couple to anend portion of a main body of the catheter assembly.
 40. A catheter tipin accordance with claim 36, wherein the first portion of the rotatingelement has an upstream surface and a downstream surface, both of theupstream and downstream surfaces being semi-circular in shape.